To Domino or not to Domino

Ok, so I am sitting here weighing the costs of some tools. On the one hand, the Festool Domino set with dominos, guides, and a dust collector for approximately $1300. On the other hand, I need a table saw and a planer. The money for the domino would likely cover these items. Which way do I go?

The Domino would allow me to do mortise and tennon joints much more easily than now. It would have the greater flexibility of positions, large sizes, etc. compared to the mortise machine. But the cost makes me gulp! A Jet mortise machine is only $300, or a quarter of the cost.

The table saw I do need, but have been working in my Dad’s shop and using his equipment. So, I could get by without that for awhile. However, having my own would allow me to work directly out of my shop. The Ridgid table saw runs around $600.

The planer is a definite need, since my jointer is only 6 1/2” wide. No wide boards through here. So far my boards usually have been less than 6” wide, so I get by with the jointer. But, it would be helpful to use wider boards on occasion. A DeWalt benchtop planer would run approximately $600.

So, $1300 for a Domino set-up, or $1500 for a shop set up. Of course, thinking outside of the box would say make the investment in my business and get all, plus a bit of wood for $3000. Funny, but that was the dollar figure I had in my mind earlier this year about the amount of tool purchases I need to make this year.

29 comments so far

Hi Bill….My opinion….Get the tablesaw and planer first. You can do so many things with the table saw and some jigsl. The domino only does one thing. Mortise with a router or drill press and chisels. If you have tons of cash and can get it all go for it…. But a tablesaw is a must.

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You know I am all about the Domino and will have one soon. As a professional it is a no brainer to get the Domino.

But, I would tend to agree with the other guys about buying the basics first. If your tool usage priveleges are good and not too inconvenient, you might shoot for the Domino. The ease and speed of joinery is very dramatic compared to a mortiser and I have a good floor model mortising machine too. My opinion on the Domino is based on using it in my shop on a real world project and not on a couple of test cuts in the store.

Wayne brings up a very valid point, how many M&T joints will you be making? The Domino would pay for itself quickly if you are doing very many, and by improving your profit margins you will be able to get the other tools any way. Cabinet shops do all kinds of projects and never have to use M&T joints. It just depends on what you plan on building.

I almost forgot to add that you can buy just the Festool hose and hook it up to your existing shopvac. That is exactly what I do and I use an electronicly switched outlet from Sears or Woodcraft. I empty my shopvac 2 – 3 times a day and blow out the filter as needed. The Festool bags would get pretty expensive if throwing them out at that rate.

I’d go for the saw, & accessories first. Wait, & get the Festool later. Besides I’m sure the competition may come out later with something that’s comparable bringing down the price.I remember when biscuit jointer’s first came out, they were pretty pricey.

I have a Domino and it IS the best thing since sliced bread. However, I wouldn’t trade my planer or tablesaw for one. It’s a fantastic tool. It allows me to do things in a way that goes beyond just mortise and tenon joinery. If you look at the Festool Owners Group, you can see the absolute wonderful things that I’m sure not even Festool considered. BUT, and it’s a great big BUT…the tablesaw and planer, followed by a jointer and bandsaw…then the Domino. You see, there alot of things that have to happen before you can join wood. Dimensioning it is the real big one. Good luck with your decision!

Tom

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